April 2023
Price: £95 PLUS VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference brought together policymakers and key stakeholders to discuss next steps for the UK space industry, and the implementation of the National Space Strategy and Defence Space Strategy.
It was a timely opportunity to discuss key issues as the National Space Strategy reaches the mid-point ‘Ignition Phase’, and follows the recent report from the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee calling for an implementation plan from the Government.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Rebecca Everden, Director for Space, DSIT; Group Captain Dave Keighley, Assistant Head, Space Strategy & Operations, Space Policy Team, Ministry of Defence; Darryl Abelscroft, Deputy Director - Future of Aviation, Department for Transport; Tim Johnson, Director of Policy, Civil Aviation Authority; Andrew Stanniland, CEO, Thales Alenia Space UK; and Pam Underwood, Director, Office of Spaceports, Federal Aviation Administration.
The agenda brought out latest thinking on priorities for building the UK’s competitive advantages and strategic possibilities in space, encouraging growth and attracting investment, and leveraging opportunities for the sector through its contribution to key national objectives, such as achieving net zero and wider sustainability goals.
Further sessions focused on support for research and innovation, including the development of clusters and cross-sector collaboration, and fostering the skills and expertise needed to support growth in the sector.
Delegates also explored next steps for international cooperation, partnerships and opportunities, including the development of best practice for responsible conduct in space, and the future of the UK spaceflight programme following the unsuccessful first launch attempt from Cornwall.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- policy: the National Space Strategy and the Defence Space Strategy - next steps for implementation - coordination of policy and programmes across government
- sector development: policy guidance - building UK competitive advantages and positioning - attracting investment - contribution of national strategy to the growth of the space industry
- programme delivery: priorities for UK spaceflight regulation - infrastructure development - technical capabilities
- skills and expertise: workforce development - research and innovation - next steps for clusters, innovation hubs and cross-sector collaboration - international talent - levelling-up the sector
- UK international role: collaboration and partnerships - international development - thought leadership - shared frameworks for responsible space conduct
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from Cabinet Office; DBT; DESNZ; Defra; DfT; DSIT; Dstl; FCDO; Geospatial Commission; GLD; GO-Science; MAA; MOD; NAO; Ofcom; RHC; the UKSA; The Scottish Government; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government - as well as by parliamentary pass-holders from The House of Commons.
